Accelerating Rural Development through the New Extensionist Paradigm: Is there a Promise to Fulfill?

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Rural problems continue to exist as human needs and circumstances continue to evolve. In recent years, rural development activities have gone beyond just increasing agricultural productivity because of the need to address a multitude of socio-political and environmental concerns towards achieving a sustainable development. This puts the relevance and competence of extension and advisory services in question to effectively respond to agricultural and rural development challenges in the new millennium. Thus, the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) advocates for the New Extensionist paragdigm that looks beyond individual roles and capacities of key players but also those at organization and system levels. It articulates the expanded roles of extension and advisory services and articulates and the changes needed in various operational levels to contribute effectively in increasing productivity and improve the overall welfare of smallholder farmers and rural communities. Regional networks have been formed, including in Southeast Asia, to mainstream the New Extensionist. The New Extensionist holds an exciting promise for rural and agricultural development but there is also a great task ahead to realize it.